Which of these level 100 defensive stat spreads gives the most overall bulk?
1) 280/454/454 (not factoring Leftovers recovery)
2) 320/332/332 (factoring in Leftovers recovery)
While No.1 might take less damage at first, the longer the fight last, the missing leftover recovery will be noticable in the long run. Usually you would like to work with resistances, so leftover comes in handy.
Here are some calcs - actually the damage done, the higher the number, the more damage you have taken.
Specs Latios uses Draco Meteor:
1. 63.6% - 75.4%
2. 78.8% - 92.8% -leftover-> 72.55% - 86.55%
Life Orb Starmie uses Surf (no rain):
1. 31.4% - 37.5% -attack-> 62.8% - 75%
2. 38.8% - 45.9% -leftover-> 32.55% - 39.65%
-attack-> 63.95% - 77.15 -leftover-> 57.7% - 70.9%
It's also a matter of the task of that bulky one; a tank might want to have leftover to be free to attack while a wall/staller can afford to use recovery moves. I my opinion the first one isn't suited for the task of a tank.
Seconded is the typing; if you work with resistances, taking less damage while forcing the opponent to switch, No.2 is the preferred option, as leftovers will heal more in relation to the damage.
Edit: Ninja'd
